Week three of radiation is here! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel—or maybe it’s an oncoming train. Honestly, at this point, it could go either way. I have just three more radiation treatments left. THREE! I’m so close to finishing I can practically taste the celebratory cupcake (gluten-free, low-sugar, high-protein, whatever—I’m eating the cupcake).
But Wait, There’s More… (Because of Course There Is)
Just when I thought I could start packing up my moisturizer and calling it a day, the doctors hit me with this little gem: “Your skin will continue to get worse before it gets better.” Excuse me, what now?
Apparently, even after radiation ends, my skin will still be living its best chaotic life. I’m talking skin darkening, thickening, flaking, peeling—basically, a skincare nightmare no amount of Instagram filters can fix. Right now, my skin looks fine (praise be!), but I’m mentally preparing for what could be coming. I’m moisturizing like it’s my new religion—twice a day with a prescription cream, no less. Because if my skin’s about to throw a tantrum, at least I can say I tried. Ain’t that a Bia?
Let’s Talk About Labs (Spoiler: They’re Still Messy)
Thinking back to last week, I was so excited to get my lab results. In my mind, they were going to tell me, “You’re basically superhuman now. Here’s your cape.”
Instead, they said, “Welp, still low in a few areas, kiddo.” Hemoglobin? Low. Potassium? Low.
No capes were handed out that day.
I’ve been using my labs as my personal scoreboard for returning to “normal life” after chemotherapy trashed my system. So yeah, seeing those low numbers was a little soul-crushing. But my nurse, bless her heart, decided to sprinkle some extra fun into my week by saying: “Your labs will be affected by the Capecitabine.”
Y’all, it took me a solid two days before it hit me—Capecitabine (aka Xeloda) is oral chemotherapy.
In other words… I’m not done with chemo yet. Now, Ain’t that a Bia?
So Naturally, I Googled It
Because what else do you do when faced with more medical drama? You spiral into Google, of course.
Here’s what I learned about Capecitabine:
- It’s just as powerful as IV chemo.
- It carries many of the same lovely side effects.
- It might slightly spare my hair (think “slower growth” or “minor thinning” instead of full-on baldness—small wins).
- Hand-Foot Syndrome is a real threat. Think extreme dryness, cracked skin, and painful open sores on your hands and feet.
Basically, it sounds like I’ll be moisturizing like a TikTok skincare influencer on a 24/7 live stream. Once a day? Twice a day? Child, no. This is an all day, everyday adventure now. Now, Ain’t that a Bia?
Don’t worry though—I’ve already whipped up my own moisturizing concoction like a mad scientist in a lab. I’m ready for battle.
Physicals and Santa Sightings
I also squeezed in a physical with my primary care doctor this week!
I haven’t seen her in about ten years—not because I don’t go to the doctor, but because she’s busier than Beyoncé on tour. She’s a director now, and getting an appointment with her felt like winning the lottery.
When she walked into the room, I looked her dead in the eye and said:
“You’re real. You’re like Santa Claus. I hear about you but never see you.”
She laughed. (I think I secured a spot on her Nice List.)
We caught up on everything—from my breast cancer journey to our kids growing up too fast. It was one of those beautiful moments where even the sterile walls of a doctor’s office felt warm.
Nutrition, Fasting, and Potassium Woes
Now about that low potassium. I’ve been practicing intermittent fasting—eating between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.—focusing on whole foods and protein. But somewhere along the way, I apparently missed the “foods rich in potassium” memo. Oops.
This week, I’m tweaking my meal plan to include more potassium and iron-rich foods to help boost my hemoglobin and potassium levels.
Depending on how things go with the oral chemo schedule, I may even have to pause intermittent fasting for a while. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Right now, the goal is simple: survive, thrive, and moisturize.
Wrapping Up Week 3
That’s a wrap on this week’s adventures!
I’m still slathering on lotion like it’s my side hustle and mentally preparing myself for the next phase of this journey. Every day, I’m getting a little closer to healing—bumps, burns, and all.
Until next time, stay moisturized, stay optimistic, and when life hands you another plot twist… just sigh loudly and say, “Now, Ain’t that a Bia?”
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